We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.

Gerald Dordan

jerry was born on June 17th, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Charles and Theresa Dordan. He was one of 4 children, having a brother, Charles and 2 sisters, Mary and Betty. Jerry was active in sports, school and the Catholic Church. He earned the Boy Scouts highest achievement of Eagle Scout.

In June of 1947, following high school graduation, Jerry headed out on foot with $16 in his pocket. He hitchhiked to Yellowstone Park and worked the summer season there. In September he struck out again, hitchhiking to Portland then to Tillamook to live with his uncle. He worked in the blimp hangar there, decommissioning planes from the war.

Jerry eventually worked his way south along the coast and found a job with the phone company, than with the Central Lincoln PUD in 1951.

In 1950 he met a beautiful young woman in Waldport at Wally’s Cafe. They courted and fell in love. Jerry made Alice Slonecker his wife in September of 1952. The young couple lived in Florence where they had their first child, then moved to Newport in 1954. They raised 4 children, Thomas, Theresa, Christopher and Patrick.

Jerry dedicated himself to his career at the PUD. He went to night classes in Newport through Linn Benton Community College to earn his Associates of Science degree in Supervision. This education allowed him to move up the ranks from Lineman to Foreman and on to an Engineering position. He retired in 1991 after 40 years of service.

He had many interests over the years. Jerry loved working on his property. He raised Highland Cattle (Scottish) and grafted fruit trees. He enjoyed beekeeping, creating stained glass, fishing and hunting. He was a gifted woodworker, creating many beautiful pieces. He built and surprised each child with a grandfather clock.

Jerry was a member of the Newport Elks for over 50 years, a lifelong Catholic and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was involved with Master Gardeners.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice, and his children Tom (Kyla), Terry (Randy Laverty), Chris, Pat (Leanne), 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. No public service is planned. His family will hold a private memorial. Jerry once gave this advice to his grandson who was writing a school report about him: “Be kind to all people and help those in need.”